(Written soon after Gregory's resignation of the Archbishopric.)
(Written soon after Gregory's resignation of the Archbishopric.)
Our withdrawal into privacy and peace has something very pleasant about it for me. But the fact that it separates me from your friendship and company is not beneficial—in fact, quite the opposite. Others get to enjoy your Excellence, while for me it would be a tremendous blessing just to have that shadow of conversation that comes through a letter. Will I see you again? Will I once more embrace the one I am so proud of, and will this be granted to what remains of my life? If so, I give full thanks to God. If not, then the best part of my life is already over. Please remember your friend Gregory and pray for him.
Our retreat and leisure and quiet have about them something very agreeable to me; but the fact that they cut me off from your friendship and society is not so advantageous but rather the other way. Others enjoy your Perfection, to me it would be really a great boon if I might have just that shadow of conversation which comes in a letter. Shall I see you again? Shall I embrace again him of whom I am so proud, and shall this be granted to the remnant of my life? If so, all thanks to God: if not, the best part of my life is over. Pray remember your friend Gregory and pray for him.